North Thurston Public Schools
LATE 20TH CENTURY
CHAPTER 10
Pre-World War II Overview
From the beginning of the Alaskan Gold
Rush to the end of World War II, Washington
experienced many changes. Between 1897 and
1945, our state changed almost daily. During this period, the population of Washington increased more than four times. The state’s total population went from 518,103 in 1900 to 2,378,962 by 1950.
Washington had become less rural and more
urbanized. The Puget Sound area was attracting
more people. Cities that had been small, such as
Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, were growing into major urban centers.
Our young, inexperienced government
had now become a well-organized, smooth political system. The people of Washington have a history of supporting change. Women’s suffrage and the federal income tax are two areas of Washington reform. In earlier times, only males voted and held political office. By 1920, women finally received the right to vote. Women could now hold elected offices. They ran for a variety of state, county, and local government offices.
Prior to World War II, our Washington
economy suffered through the Great Depression like the rest of the country. Some industries were
becoming less important to the state economy.
Logging, fishing, mining, and even farming were fading in importance. Foreign trade, commerce, manufacturing, and government were becoming even more important.
Washington’s rural way of life was being
dramatically altered. New forms of refrigeration and irrigation systems, for example, changed farming practices in eastern Washington. An urban society was forming in and around our major cities. Industry was becoming more and more important to the state economy. Washington was now more competitive in the United States. Our state had also successfully competed in the tough world market.
Government continued to play a greater role in our state economy. Our federal government built new military bases. Even the older bases underwent expansion after World War II.
Washington’s transportation system also
experienced many changes from 1897 to 1945.
Fewer people used sailing vessels, wagons, and
horses for transportation. People were beginning
to travel more by car, train, airplane, truck, bus, ferry, and ship. Old dirt roads were made into
modern concrete highways. The highways crisscrossed the state. A new system of steel and
floating bridges connected the growing network
of roads. Locks and canals were built to improve
the shipping networks.
Trade within our nation increased. The
increase occurred because ships could now travel through the Panama Canal. This made it possible to ship goods to the East Coast much faster than before. Goods also moved overland by rail. Trucks were now being used to move goods, too. Foreign trade also increased to Asian and Alaskan markets. More trade lanes were being established in the Pacific Ocean.
People were linked by new forms of communication. The radio, typewriter, television, and telephone were replacing the telegraph and other simpler devices. Inventions produced many different kinds of tools, machines, and appliances. These inventions and forms of communication saved people time. Electricity and new kinds of engines allowed the farming and manufacturing industries new options. These new machines relied less on manual labor.
Washington’s natural landscape changed
during the first half of the 20th century. Once, land in eastern Washington had been unproductive. Now, irrigation allowed fruits, vegetables, and other products to grow. The Columbia and Snake rivers were being tamed. Several hydroelectric dams were
constructed. These dams stored water in giant reservoirs for future use. Much-needed electricity came from these dams. Abundant power attracted new industries, such as the aluminum industry.
The woodlands of western Washington were still being harvested. In contrast to the past, timber companies were now replanting where they had cut. New forests could grow in place of those removed.
During this time, our government was purchasing large wilderness areas to be set aside as national and state parks, wilderness areas, and national forests. Conserving land and recycling water and other products became higher priorities.
Post World War II Overview
Since World War II, Washington made a smooth transition from a wartime to a peacetime economy. Our economy experienced tremendous population growth and prosperity. In early 2001, the state’s total population surpassed six million.
Today the cities of Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma are heavily populated. They form one of the largest metropolitan areas in our country. In excess of three million people live in this metro area. Suburbs and small cities have filled in the space between these three major cities. The western portions of King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties are now densely populated. Cities have formed where only farms and forests once stood. A mixture of different cultures live in the urban areas of Washington.
Washington’s economy has more variety today than it did 50 years ago. Currently we are a world leader in the production of apples, aluminum, commercial aircraft, electricity, and software.
Washington is a national leader in the production of transportation equipment, wood and paper products, video games, nuclear energy, electronic devices, and measuring instruments.
Our state is a leading producer of apples, wheat, barley, sugar beets, potatoes, and cherries. Our farmers also produce berries, hops, sweet corn, peas, and tulip bulbs. However, today there are fewer farms. The farms are larger and more mechanized. Machines are doing more and more work. Farmers are able to produce more with each acre of land than ever before.
The skilled labor supply is expanding in Washington. There is a strong demand for talented, well-educated, and highly skilled workers. The result is very few people remain unemployed in our state. Skilled workers are needed by our large corporations. Corporations such as Boeing, Microsoft, and Weyerhaeuser are known throughout the world. High wages and good benefits attract workers to Washington. They come from all over our country and the world. The remainder of this
chapter will discuss the issues that face our
growing population.
Mother Nature’s Impact
During the 20th century, Washington was a
safe place to live. Residents did not suffer from
drought, starvation, or disease. Mother Nature has been very kind to the millions who reside within Washington. Even though the state has experienced natural disasters, very few human lives have been lost. Natural disasters such as blizzards, tornadoes, and hurricanes are very rare or do not happen at all in our state. Our state does have severe windstorms, flooding, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, though. Many of these natural disasters cannot be predicted by science. Windstorms happen frequently in western Washington. The two most destructive windstorms were the Columbus Day Storm of October 12, 1962 and the Inauguration Day Storm of January 20, 1993. Thousands of trees
were blown down knocking out power to many areas. Property damage totaled millions of dollars. A few people were even killed. Winter storms can flood many of the western Washington rivers. These are almost an annual event. Winter storms can bring warm temperatures. These storms cause the snow to melt in the mountains. Short rivers cannot handle both rain water and melting snow. The rivers then overflow their banks and flood.
There have been two very destructive floods in our state since World War II. The most damaging flood occurred on May 31, 1948. This was the Vanport Flood along the lower Columbia River. It killed 39 people and destroyed 5,000 homes. There was also
widespread flooding along the river valleys on both sides of the Cascades in November 1990.
Washington residents fear earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions. Recent eruptions and earthquakes have helped us prepare for these
unpredictable disasters. If either of these natural
disasters happens, it could devastate the region.
Western Washington has experienced three major
major earthquakes since World War II. The earthquake of 1949 caused eight deaths. Six died
in the quake of 1964. One death was recorded during the 6.8 magnitude earthquake on February 28, 2001.
Western Washington residents are very concerned about the so-called “Big One.” Scientists predict a major 8.0 to 9.0 magnitude earthquake will hit this region. They say this quake could occur any time in the near future. An earthquake of this magnitude would cause tremendous property damage and loss of life. After the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount
Saint Helens, many residents feared another volcanic explosion. Scientists believe that the next major eruption will be Mount Rainier. It has the potential to be much more destructive than the eruption of Mount Saint Helens.
If Mount Rainier erupts, a sudden melt of its tremendous snow pack would likely result.
This rapid snowmelt would create dangerous mudflows, called lahars. The lahar debris would
bury everything in its path.
Millions of people live and work within sight of Mount Rainier. Its eruption could cause the
death of thousands of people. Homes
businesses, schools, bridges, and roads would all suffer damage. It is not a question of if, but when this quiet mountain will awake in fury! We just need to be prepared for that day.
Environmental Issues
Washingtonians have been active supporters of our nation’s environmental movements. Most want to preserve the natural beauty of Washington. They also want to protect the natural habitat for our wildlife. During the 1960s and 1970s, many basic environmental issues came to the forefront. Air, noise, and water pollution and endangered species issues have become common topics. How our land will be used is another important concern. These issues are discussed, debated, and often worked into new policies and
legislative acts.
The drilling for oil in Alaska’s North Slope
and Prudhoe Bay raised two main concerns. The
impact on the vegetation and wildlife concerns
many. Those concerned also want to know how
the environment would be affected by an 800
mile pipeline. Many people are still worried
about its operation.
The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska’s
Prince William Sound caused many to object to
the use of large supertankers. This disaster killed
thousands of animals and sea life. The clean up
was also costly and time consuming. We still do
not really know the long-term impact of the spill
on the environment.
Why is Prince William Sound important? Oil
tankers transport Alaskan oil into Puget Sound.
Crude oil is presently shipped into two major
oil refineries in Washington. They are located at
the ports of Anacortes and Ferndale. People fear
what may happen to our environment if an oil
tanker runs aground in one of our waterways.
A similar accident in Puget Sound as the Exxon
Valdez oil spill would have a major negative
environmental impact on our economy.
The preservation of salmon has been another
controversial issue in Washington. For several
decades it has been the topic of many important
discussions. There are two basic issues. How do
we ensure the annual runs of salmon? Who can
harvest salmon? There are no simple solutions
to either question.
In 1974, Federal Judge George Boldt wrote a
decision to partially answer the salmon harvest
question. The Boldt Decision declared that
Native Americans could harvest 50% of the
annual catch. Commercial and recreational
fishers could split the remaining 50%. The
United States Supreme Court upheld the Boldt
Decision on July 2, 1979.
The federal government and various
environmental groups argue that dams on the
lower Snake River should be breached. To breach
the dam would mean the dam could no longer
provide electricity, water for irrigation, or flood
control. The rivers would then return to their
natural course and cycle. Environmentalists
believe this would help the migrating salmon
return to their spawning grounds. What are the
trade-offs? Salmon for jobs? What are the
economic costs and environmental benefits?
These issues are difficult to solve.
Another environmental controversy is the
Makah tribe’s request to resume their traditional
gray whale hunt. The whale hunt has been a
tradition of their people for centuries. The
federal government granted the Makah’s
request. The issue, however, is not yet resolved.
Environmental groups such as Greenpeace
protested the Makah whale hunts.
During the 1990s, timber companies wanted
to harvest some of our old growth forest areas.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) banned loggers from cutting old growth
trees. The EPA said that logging these forests
would destroy the habitat of an endangered
specie, the northern spotted owl. An Endangered
Specie Act ruled in favor of protecting the owl.
These two decisions hurt the timber industry for
several years.
There are several other controversial issues
still outstanding. These issues include a third
runway at SeaTac airport, mass or rapid transit
systems, and vehicle emissions. Other issues
constantly will and do arise.
Washington’s population is sure to continue
its rapid increase. As it does, there will be more
pressure on our land. Cities and residents will
need more land on which to live and work. The
question is how will these communities,
governments, and environmental groups work
together to solve these difficult issues?
Social, Cultural, and Political Issues
After the end of World War II, our American
society experienced many social, cultural, and
political changes. Washington was obviously
affected by these changes.
During World War II, millions of men and
women served in the armed forces. Many
women left home to work. Aircraft,
shipbuilding, and wood product industries
employed thousands of women. Men and
women worked together to produce war
materials and other necessary products.
After World War II, most women left the
workforce. They returned to their roles as fulltime
homemakers and mothers. The “Baby
Boom” era dominated the late 1940s and early
1950s. Postwar couples had children and were
committed to maintaining healthy, happy
marriages. Religion was important. In fact, most
family members attended church. Both the
family unit and the community were stable.
During the late 1940s and 1950s, most people
wanted a well-paying job. They attempted to
save money, buy a house and car, and enjoy their
increased leisure time. Most households had
only one income source. Smoking, alcoholism,
and an increasing crime rate became serious
social issues. Overall, though, the society was
stable and prosperous.
The American society drastically changed
during the 1960s and 1970s. It was a period of
social, political, and personal change. The
American family also changed. Many
adolescents and young adults began to rebel.
Rebellion was directed against the authority of
their parents. They also frequently spoke out
against and questioned the government.
The use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs
was on the rise. Teenagers and young adults
supported the “Rock and Roll” era in music.
Many participated in the “sexual revolution.”
Families and communities were frequently
divided over character and moral issues. Proper
social behavior was another dividing topic.
During the twenty years between 1954 and
1974, Americans and Washingtonians had
concerns about four major controversial issues.
These issues were the Civil Rights Movement,
the Women’s Rights Movement, the Vietnam
War, and the legalization of abortion.
The Civil Rights Movement began
peacefully. It soon became a very emotional and
violent issue. The country was also divided over
the racial desegregation and Title IX programs.
They were hotly disputed social issues.
Peaceful, nonviolent protests became violent
and very destructive race riots. Many urban
areas in the country suffered loss of life. Property
damage totaled millions of dollars. The most
violent race riots took place in Los Angeles,
Detroit, Newark, and Washington D.C.
Fortunately, the state of Washington did not
experience similar race riots.
The Vietnam War (1964-1973) and the
military draft issue caused many to protest.
Demonstrations against the draft were filled
with strong emotions. Opposition and support
groups had strong feelings about both issues.
Emotions ran high!
Another issue that greatly divided
Americans was the legalization of abortion. The
United States Supreme Court’s controversial
“Roe versus Wade” (1973) decision legalized a
woman’s right to have an abortion.
From the 1970s into the 21st century, our
society has been divided into the “Right-to-Life”
and the “Pro-Choice” groups. Outspoken
supporters of each side seem unable to
compromise. This issue has been at the center
of many political debates and demonstrations.
Today people are more understanding. If we
do not agree, we are more likely to tolerate an
issue than to act out against it. Issues are
generally settled through compromise, not by
violent actions. Our American society is more
open. Controversial issues have not
disappeared, though. Modern issues such as gay
and animal rights, crime rate, sexual abuse and
harassment, child and drug abuse, and many
other issues will be debated in the future.
Our society has changed immensely over the
years. Americans have enjoyed greater
freedoms, prosperity, and opportunities than
ever before. The tragic events on September 11,
2001 were a wake up call. This terrorist attack
on our homeland reminded us that our freedom
and liberty come at a price!
Heavily populated western Washington has
a tremendous influence on our state political
scene. Washington also has been powerful on
the national political scene.
Political changes have been rather smooth
and frequent since World War II. Governors such
as Daniel Evans, Booth Gardner, and Gary Locke
have played a vital role in attracting business
and trade to our state. Prominent senators such
as Warren Magnuson, Henry Jackson, and Slade
Gorton have given our state credibility in our
nation’s capital.
Several women have also provided strong
political leadership at the state and federal levels
in recent times. The only female governor in our
state was Dixie Lee Ray. Other prominent female
leaders from our state include congresspersons
Linda Smith, Catherine May, Jennifer Dunn,
Patty Murray, and Maria Cantwell.
Technological Improvements
Washington and its people have benefited
from new inventions and advancements in
technology. Water irrigates crops in the semiarid
climate of eastern Washington. Our dams
provide power to states as far away as California.
People communicate via the computer and
Internet. What will the next 50 years bring in
advancements?
Washington benefited from the construction
of many hydroelectric dams along the Columbia
and Snake rivers. These dams were built
between the 1930s and 1970s. Fifteen of these
dams were built in Washington. Eleven dams
are on the Columbia River and four are along
the lower Snake River.
Hydroelectric dams provide electricity to
Washington residents. They also provide power
to customers around the western United States.
All this power brought the aluminum industry
to Washington. Aluminum was produced in vast
quantities during the 1940s and 1950s.
Aluminum is still produced today.
In addition, each dam is designed to store
water in a reservoir. Reservoir water provides
power, recreation, and wildlife preserves. Dams
also provide irrigation water to farmers. The
largest dam, Grand Coulee, provides the most
water for irrigation. The water from Grand
Coulee is transported by canal to the Columbia
Basin Irrigation Project. This project became
operational in the 1950s and 1960s. It
transformed nearly a million acres of desert into
productive farmland. The land, now moist from
irrigation water, produces a variety of crops.
The changes in refrigeration also helped
Washington farmers. It allowed them to ship
perishable goods greater distances around the
world. The fruit industry benefited most from
advancements in refrigeration. Controlled
Atmosphere (CA) facilities enabled apples,
cherries, and other fruit to be stored for future
sale. Fruit could now be sold year round!
Immediately after World War II, new
communication systems were installed in
Washington. Seattle’s KING Channel 5 television
station was the first to broadcast local news.
Telephone, fiber optics, and digital networks
were built around the state. As a result of these
advancements, we can now share information
via television, radio, and satellite. We can even
get information from our computers. As you
know, most computers are connected to the
world wide web, or Internet.
Since the Second World War, scientists and
engineers made major contributions. Engineers
designed and constructed many types of bridges
in our state. New bridges included the Lake
Washington, Evergreen Point, I-90, Hood Canal
floating bridges, and the famous Tacoma
Narrows Bridge. These bridges link important
cities and communities to other areas of the state.
Seattle’s 42 story Smith Tower was once the
tallest building west of the Mississippi River. It
is now dwarfed by the 76 story Bank of America
Tower and many other skyscrapers. Our state’s
most famous building is none other than the
Space Needle. It was built in 1962 for the World’s
Fair. Seattle is recognized by people around the
world because of the Space Needle.
In the 1950s and 1960s, our federal
government began an ambitious project. It
wanted to connect every major city in the
country with a series of highways. This project
was the Interstate Highway system. Washington
has two interstates crossing the state. They are
Interstate 5 (I-5) and Interstate 90 (I-90). I-5 links
major cities from Bellingham in the north to
Vancouver in the south. It continues south from
Vancouver to the Mexican border. I-90 links all
the major cities between Seattle and Spokane. It
continues east from Spokane all the way to
Boston, Massachusetts.
Washington has a large air, water, and
ground transportation network. Both freight and
people are transported within the system.
However, the state’s rugged landscape, rapidly
increasing population, and many automobiles
have created traffic gridlock. Traffic congestion
has increased in every area of the state. Gridlock
is a major problem today, especially in urban
cities of western Washington.
Washington has been a leader in the
development of medicines, drugs, and new
health care techniques. Washington has some of
the best health care facilities. Several of our
doctors and their staffs conduct important
research into cancer, the human genome, and
other branches of medicine. They seek cures for
many diseases. Life expectancy has improved
as a direct result of these medical research efforts.
Science and technology have had a major
impact in agriculture and animal husbandry
fields. New breeds of plants and animals have
been bred. Food production has increased, and
production methods have improved with
scientific advancements.
High technology industries have thrived in
Washington since the late 1970s. Washington
corporations are respected world-wide as
leaders in the Information Age.
Energy Issues
During World War II, the United States’ top
secret “Manhattan Project” thrust our country
and the world into the “Nuclear Age.” The threat
of nuclear annihilation had become a reality.
A barren area in south central Washington
was selected as the site for the Hanford Atomic
Works. The nuclear reservation was built along
the Columbia River. It lies just north of the city
of Richland. During the Cold War, Hanford
produced materials for the nuclear arsenal.
Today, Hanford produces nuclear energy. It is
also the site of the largest radioactive cleanup
project in the country.
Washington’s energy sources were once
limited. Limited, that is, until the construction
of dams on the Columbia River. New dams
provided a huge supply of low cost electricity.
Cheap electricity helped create our rapid
industrial growth during the later 20th century.
Washington experienced growing energy
demands, though, with the arrival of more
industry and people. A third powerhouse was
completed at Grand Coulee Dam in 1976. Its
powerhouse helped provide the extra electricity
that was so desperately needed.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Washington
sought to further expand its energy output. Five
nuclear power plants were planned for
construction. Three nuclear plants were to be
built at Hanford. Two were planned for Satsop,
near Elma, in southwestern Washington.
The Washington Public Power Supply
System (WPPSS) was formed to construct and
operate the five nuclear power plants. This was
to be a very expensive project. WPPSS borrowed
billions of dollars to carry out their construction
plans. WPPSS faced increased production costs
and high interest payments during the 1980s.
In 1983, WPPSS defaulted on its bonds. They
were forced to declare bankruptcy and stop
construction. These four partially completed
plants still sit idle today. They have been
“mothballed.” If any of those four nuclear plants
had been completed, our state may not have
faced electrical shortages in the winter of 2001.
An earlier energy crisis happened in the
1970s and 1980s. This was the result of a
reduction in supplies of petroleum around the
world. The reduced supply of oil was the result
of the Arab Oil Embargo in 1974. Further actions
by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries, or OPEC, in the late 1970s and early
1980s caused an even higher price for oil.
This high price for oil caused other prices to
skyrocket. It cost companies more to make and
ship products. This was a difficult time for both
Washingtonians and Americans. In response to
those hard times during the oil embargo,
America searched for new sources of oil. Large
deposits of oil were found in Alaska. Such an
important find helped ease our dependency on
foreign oil.
Today, in the 21st century, Washington again
faces the need for more energy. Alternative
energy sources may be developed. New
conservation practices will surely be used.
Producers of energy will continue to clash with
environmentalists. We can all help by conserving
as much energy as possible.
The Economy
During World War II, the wartime economies
of the United States and Washington operated
at full capacity. Nearly every adult was working.
Unemployment rates were extremely low.
Production records were broken. Demand was
strong for our war materials during this period.
After the war, the economy switched from
producing war goods to consumer goods and
services. The transition from a wartime to a
peacetime economy is never easy. Recessions
normally occur during these periods.
Washington’s economy was strong
throughout the late 1940s and into the 1960s. The
Cold War Era (1945-1991) kept the demand for
war materials higher than normal. The Cold War
was a period when communist governments
and western democracies felt threatened by each
other. The former Soviet Union and the United
States were the two countries at the center of
the Cold War.
The Boeing Company benefited most from
the Cold War. Boeing was a major defense
contractor. It continued to design and build new
military aircraft, especially long-range bombers,
well into the 1960s.
American consumers did not buy many
goods during either the Great Depression or the
Second World War. After the war, Washington
consumers bought homes, appliances, furniture,
and cars. Our country slowly became stronger
economically. Little by little, Americans became
more financially stable.
During the 1960s, Boeing changed its focus.
It had been making military aircraft. They
instead decided to build commercial aircraft.
Soon Boeing was the leading commercial aircraft
manufacturer in the United States.
Boeing employed tens of thousands of
highly skilled workers. As Boeing expanded, the
Seattle area of Puget Sound prospered. However,
this growth would not last. The airplane
industry has rapid periods of growth. Growth
periods are then followed by periods of little or
no growth. This means they tend to boom and
then bust.
Since World War II, our state’s toughest
economic time was the so-called, “Boeing
Depression.” This depression lasted from 1969
to 1971. During this period, Boeing did not sell
a single plane. Many major military contracts
were lost. To make matters worse for Boeing, the
federal government canceled the Supersonic
Transport, or SST project.
In response to the lack of orders, Boeing laid
off 84,000 workers in just two years. This sent
the Puget Sound economy into a depression.
Literally tens of thousands of highly skilled
machinists and engineers were unemployed
during the Boeing Depression. Many workers
and their families left our state looking for work.
Fortunately most of these well-educated and
talented workers stayed in the Seattle area.
From these times of economic trouble, a
whole new group of businesses grew in the
Seattle area. Those unemployed, highly
educated, and skillful workers started many new
businesses and industries.
Washington’s flourishing high technology
industries began to expand in the early 1970s.
Probably the biggest benefit to our state was the
variety of the new businesses that evolved.
A diversified economy is more stable. In a
diversified economy, many types of business
and industry operate. A diversified economy is
not subject to the “boom and bust” cycles
caused when one industry dominates an area.
Washington’s economy was strong in the
1980s. In the 1990s, the Puget Sound area
flourished. This was a direct result of the rapid
growth in the manufacturing, high technology,
government, military, and service sectors.
The beginning of the 21st century has seen a
slowing of Washington’s economy. Agriculture,
wood products, aluminum, and dot com
industries have been struggling.
International Trade and Relations
Washington is located geographically within
the Pacific Northwest. This location has its
advantages and disadvantages.
Washington is far from the major markets of
California, the South, and the eastern United
States. In terms of international trade,
Washington is geographically closer to Alaska
and the Orient than are any of the other 48
contiguous states. This is why we ship products
around the world.
Alaska and Washington have a long history
of conducting trade. Gold, crude oil, wood
products, salmon, and other seafoods have been
shipped between Alaska and Washington. Our
processed foods and a variety of manufactured
goods have traveled through Washington ports
to Alaska.
In the post World War II era, Washington has
been an active trading partner with the countries
of the Pacific Rim. Our major Pacific Rim trading
partners include Japan, South Korea, Taiwan,
Singapore, and Hong Kong. Products are
shipped to and from these countries.
The economies of these growing countries
in Asia have helped our economy. They are
valued trading partners of Washington. There
is great value in goods exported and imported
between our ports and the Pacific Rim countries.
Tens of billions of dollars change hands in trade
each year.
During the decade after the Cold War
(1945-1991), major changes occurred in
international trade. Communism fell in the
Soviet Union. This allowed capitalism and the
free enterprise system to emerge in Russia.
China, still a communist country, opened its
borders to our products. These two nations have
had a major impact on Washington’s
international trade.
During the 1990s, the United States, Canada,
and Mexico signed the North American Free
Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. As a direct result
of this agreement, trade increased between these
countries. In addition, more Latin American and
European countries conduct valuable trade
through our seaports.
Perhaps the most important changes in trade
have occurred in Asia. New trade agreements
and improved international relations have
emerged. Such changes have opened new Asian
markets to trade.
Direct trade with the Soviet Union, Red
China, and North Vietnam was not politically
possible during the Cold War Era. A large
volume of trade is now conducted with new
Asian trading partners. These trading partners
include China, Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia,
Thailand, Philippines, Pakistan, and the Pacific
World countries.
Washington seaports, river ports, and
airports have improved their facilities. They
have better inland transportation systems and
networks. Improvements have resulted in a
quicker turnaround time and more efficient
movement of goods to markets throughout the
United States.
Our economy will benefit from continued
growth of two-way trade between the United
States and Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific
World. New trade organizations will continue
to lower trade barriers. This will result in more
market access for Washington exports.
Washington is rapidly becoming a major link
between the world’s three major economic
markets. These markets are the European Union,
North America, and Asia. Washington still
exports its natural resources all over the world.
In addition, our new industries, such as aircraft
and technology, are increasingly important
world trade items.
Chapter Summary
Once upon a time not so long ago, the state
of Washington was an isolated wilderness area.
With few people and even fewer industries,
Washington had virtually no impact upon our
national economy.
Washington changed in the 20th century.
Since World War II, Washington has emerged as
a national and international leader.
Today, our residents are major participants
economically, politically, and culturally. They
participate on national and global scales. The
state and its people will continue to be major
contributors to our national and world society.
Challenges and questions face each
Washingtonian. How will we preserve, conserve,
and maintain the natural beauty of our state?
How will we, at the same time, help our
economy grow? This will be a constant struggle.
Hopefully our voters and decision makers will
carefully review all factors. The future will be
determined by the decisions and responses we
will make to these challenging questions.
CHAPTER REVIEW ACTIVITIES
1. Use either a dictionary or the glossary to define each of the following terms:
breeching floating bridge life cycle sawlog
demonstration gridlock locks software
environment lahar reservoir technology
2. Identify each of the following:
Baby Boomers Endangered Species Act KING Channel 5 OPEC
C.A. E.P.A. Northern Spotted Owl SST
3. Locate the following on a Washington, Pacific Northwest, or world map:
Columbia Basin Irrigation System Galliard Cut Interstate 5
Interstate 90 King County the Orient
Pierce County Prudhoe Bay Prince William Sound
Satsop Space Needle Vietnam
4. Each of the following historical events are not in their proper chronological order.
Identify the date of each event or historical era.
1. Boeing Depression 4. Cold War 7. Vanport Flood
2. Civil Rights Movement 5. Mt. St. Helens 8. Vietnam War
3. Columbus Day Storm 6. “Roe vs Wade” 9. WPPSS bankruptcy
5. Write a short descriptive essay answering each of the following questions.
A) Identify and list six examples of major changes in the way Washingtonians live
their life from 1900 to 2000.
B) Washington is a leading producer of several agricultural products and
manufactured goods. Identify ten examples.
C) Select one specific historic event between WWII and today which has had the
greatest impact on your life. Explain how this has changed your life.
D) Describe several examples of how technology has made improvements in our
standards of living.
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.
Related download
Related searches
- richmond public schools education found
- nyc public schools job openings
- baltimore city public schools schedule
- baltimore city public schools calendar
- maryland public schools report card
- oklahoma public schools report card
- best public schools in north carolina
- north reading public schools ma
- north carolina public schools business education license
- north carolina public charter schools
- north carolina charter schools list
- north dakota public instruction